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Motorized Video Camera Mount

This article describes a motorized, waterproof mount for a miniature video camera. If a suitable waterproof camera is used, this unit can be used outdoors.
The camera rotator circuit uses a 2716 EPROM to store a table of logic values that control the motor driver (H-bridge) circuit. The EPROM data is shown in the schematic. By using the EPROM, a large number of discrete gates are eliminated. The logic table is designed to allow the motor to turn clockwise until the clockwise limit sensor is activated. The same operation happens with counter clockwise rotation and the counter clockwise limit sensor.

Inputs to the EPROM come from the limit sensors and the two control switch directions. Outputs go to the four H-bridge transistor gates. The control switch signals are buffered through the 7400 quad NAND gate, this allows for a long control wire. All of the input values are active in the low state.

The H-bridge array consists of two N-channel MOSFETs and two P-channel MOSFETs. Diagonal pairs of transistors are turned on to move the motor one way or the other. If all of the transistors are off, the motor does not move. Note that the P channel transistors turn on with a 0 logic output level and the N channel transistors turn on with a 1 logic output level.

There are several disallowed output states, if three or four transistors were to be turned on, the transistors would go up in smoke. Don’t do this. If the EPROM is programmed correctly, this should never happen.

The voltage regulator produces 5 volts for running the logic ICs and the motor. A better H-bridge driver circuit (or IC) could be used if higher motor currents are needed, this one was sufficient, simple to build, and easy to find parts for.

Note that a much simpler version of this circuit could be made by using a cross-wired center off DPDT direction switch and mechanical limit sensor switches in series with the motor power wires and with diodes across the switches. This circuit has fewer moving parts, and the sensors can fit into a smaller space than switches. The all solid state design should also last longer.